Combination space heater, fan, and air circulator



Aug. 5, 1952 FRANKLlN 2,606,273

v COMBINATION SPACE HEATER, FAN, AND AIR CIRCULATOR Filed Sept. 9, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR: .BUH TEN FJZANKLIN.

flay/8 A TORNEYS 5, 19 y FRANKLIN 2,606,273

COMBINATION SPACE HEATER, FAN, AND AIR CIRCULATOR Filed Sept. 9, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR:

BUR TUN FRANKLIN. Ta-M- BY flu 7S V ATTORN Y5 Aug. 5, 1952 B. FRANKLIN 2,506,273

COMBINATION SPACE HEATER, FAN, AND AIR CIRCULATOR Filed Sept. 9, 1950 s Sheets-Sheet s TIE'IX' 4 IN VEN TOR: .EUR TUN FHA NKL N.

A TTOR/VEYJ Patented Aug. 5, 1952 COMBINATION SPACE HEATER, FAN, AND

AIR CIRCULATOR Burton Franklin, Toledo, Ohio, assignor, by mesne assignments, to Tropic-Aire, Inc., Chicago, I11.,

a corporation Application September 9, 1950, Serial No. 184,091

This invention relates to improvements in combination space heaters and fans and, more particularly, to a compact, electrically motivated, combination fan and heater in which the structure is designed for use not only as a direct draft fan and space heater but also as an air circulator.

Many simple prior art electrical heaters consist in resistance coils which heat air merely passing over them by connection; some are equipped with electrically driven fans for circulating the air. Ventilating fans can be combined with. such circulating space heaters merely by so designing the structure that when it is desired to circulate cool air the heating coils are not energized and when it is desired to heat the space in which the device is used, the heating coils are energized. I

It has been observed that in most instances combination heaters and fans are of the direct draft type such as the conventional electric fan and are merely equipped with heating coils so that the device may be used for heating the blast of air. In contrast, air circulators usually rest on the floor and are equipped with deflecting means so that a cone of air is emitted from near their upper surface, creating a circulating effect without a direct draft. These two types of devices have developed separate statuses in the art. The air circulator has, for the most part, become an expensive, large-sized device occupying almost as much space as a foot stool or an ottoman and, indeed, some circulators have been designed to serve dual purposes, for example, coffee or cocktail tables, as well as housing the elements of the air circulator.

It is the principal object of this invention to provide a simple, compact, inexpensive device for selectively circulating air or heated air or emitting a direct blast of air or of heated air.

It is another object of this invention to provide a combination heater, fan and circulator in which a single element of the device serves both as a base when the device is in use for emitting a direct blast of air or heated air and as a deflector when the device is in use as an air circulator.

It is another object of this invention to provide a simple effective means for controlling the temperature of heated air emitted from the device when it is in use as a space heater.

It is a further, more specific object of this invention to provide a simplified, inexpensive con- I struction for a device of the general nature set forth.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the drawings, in which:

9 Claims. (Cl. 219-39) Figure I is' a view in perspective of a combination heater and fan embodying the invention and shown in position for emitting a direct blast of air.

Figure II is a vertical, longitudinal, sectional view of the device shown in Figure I and on a slightly enlarged scale.

Figure III is a transverse, sectional view through the heater coil mounting means and diagrammatically illustrating the wiring circuit.

Figure IV is a view in elevation, parts being broken away of the device shown in Figure I but in the air circulating position.

Figure V is a fragmentary view in elevation taken substantially from the position indicated by the line VV in Figure IV.

Figure VI is a bottom view of the device as illustrated in Figure IV.

Figure VII is a front elevational view, with parts broken away, of a modified construction showing a different way of mounting the combination stand and deflector.

Figure VIII is a side elevation of the device shown in Figure VII with a broken line indication of its position when tilted to elevate the blast of air.

Figure IX is a view in elevation of the device shown in Figures VII and VIII, but in position as an air circulator.

Figure X is a fragmentary view in elevation on a greatly enlarged scale of bracket mounting means with which the heater shown in Figures VII, VIII and IX is equipped.

Figure X1 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional view'taken substantially on the line XI--XI of Figure X.

Figure XII is a greatly enlarged fragmentary view showing a lock for holding the deflector in the position shown in Figure IX.

A combination heater, fan and circulator embodying the invention may have a housing comprising two generally matching opposed casing sections In and H which are joined together with their edges overlapping by several sheetmetal screws l2 on a generally median transverse plane. The two casing sections 10 and II may be substantially identical in shape, each having flanged opening 13 or M, respectively. A guarding grill [5 is mounted across the opening l3 and supports a centrally located hub 16 having an axial threaded boss II. The grill [5 is secured in place in the opening 13 by the engagement of the outermost ends of its radial frame wires IS in holes 19 punched near the forward edge of a generally tubular venturi 20 which extends coaxially with the casing elements It] and II. The venturi is held in place by the engagement of its forward edge 2| exteriorly of the flange on the opening l3 and by the screws l2 which are threaded through holes in its wall; spacers 22 being positioned between the inner walls of the casing sections l6 and H and the outer wall of the venturi 20.

The venturi 20 serves to mount a resistance element 23 (see also Figure III) which consists in a generally hexagonally extending coil of re.-

sistance wire held in place by engagement with key hole slotted, T-shapedinsulators 24. Each of the insulators 24 extends through a slot 25 punched in the wall of the venturi 2n and is provided with a key hole slot 26 in which the element 23 is engaged. The ends of the heating element 23 are connected to a three position switch 2'! as is the coil of a motor 28. The switch 21 is so designed that in, one position. the motor alone is energized and in asecond position. both the motor and heating coil are energized in series, thus slowing down the rotation of the motor and providing for the emission of heated air through the grill opening [3.

The motor 28 is mounted by means of studs 29 on a plate 30 which is coaxially positioned with respect to the venturi 20 and the casing sections it) and II by several radially extending wires 3!, the outer ends 32: of which are engaged over and may be spot welded. to the rear, larger edge of the venturi 20. A fan blade 33' is mounted on the shaft of the motor 28 and is positioned immediately in back of the grill H5 at the narrowing point of the venturi. 20 in order to project the blast of air through the grill in as narrow a. cone as possible.

A generally dish-shaped damper 34' is mounted by means of a damper stud. 35 and damper nut 36 in position to be rotated and thus to move axially for the purpose of closing or opening the flangedopening l4 at the rear of the heater casing. The damper stud 35 is mounted by a plate 3'! coaxially withv the motor on the mounting wires 3!. A stamped, sheet metal knob 38 covers the end of the damper stud 35 and forms a handle by means of which. the damper may be rotated. The rim of the damper 34 has a bead 39 which maybe formed of soft rubber or other similar material. A snap ring 36a is provided for retaining thenut 35 on the stud 35.

As is illustrated in Figure II, by rotating the damper 3'4 on. itsv stud 35, it can be moved inwardly to a desired position. This reduces the area of the annular intake space between the bead 39 and the edge of the flanged opening l4, decreasing the amount of air taken into the device and is particularly eiiective, when it is desired to increase the temperature of the air be ing emitted when the device is used as a heater. The decrease in volume of air that can be pulled in the narrower annular space, loads the fan blades and slows down the. motor. This allows the air to remain adjacent the element 2-3 for a longer period of time and thus it is heated to higher temperature. For example, the temperature of the air can be increased from 90 F. with the damper open (in the position shown in solid lines in Figure II) to 140 F. with the damper closed, the motor and heater coil consuming the same wattage in both positions. This increase in temperature of the emitted air results solely from the decrease in velocity and volume of air passing through the heater.

When it is desired to mount the combination heater and fan in the position shown in Figures I and II, a generally dish-shaped base 40 is threaded by means of a central, axially extending screw 4| into a nut 42 welded or otherwise secured to the interior of the casing section l l at the bottom and in line with a holeprovided in the casing. section. H; Thebase. 40 has a hand knob 43 in which the screw 4| is secured and a molded rubber rim 44 which rests on the surface supporting the heater fan when in this position.

When it is desired to employ the combination heater, fan and circulator embodying the invention as a circulator it is Placed in the position shown in Figures IV, V and VI. The base 40 is unscrewed from the mounting nut 42 and inverted and its mounting screw 4! threaded into the boss ll of the hub it at the center of the grill l5. The casing sections Ill and H are then so located that the flanged opening I3 of the casing i8 is aimed directly upwardly. The base 4% thus serves. as a deflector and, as can be seen in Figure IV, the. blast. of air emitted. is. deflected outwardiy and downwardly by the dish-shaped'basedeflector 40,. forming a general cone of air which creates circulationl within the room- When the device is used as a'circulator with the base 40 in position as a deflector, it is supported by three legsv 45 which are illustrated as being stamped from. shleetmetal and as having tabs 46 which, areinserted through slots 41 in the casing section, ll to retainthe legs 45 in place. The legsv 45 mount a ring 43.whi'ch guards the perimeter of the damper, 34 and also serves to brace the ends of-the legs 45. Each of the legs 45 is provided at its lowerend with a rubber foot 49 which rests on the surface supporting the device in its air circulator position. The ring 48 is retained in place between. sides 50 and turned up ends 5! of thelegsfi. i.

The base 49 thus serves. as astandor base when the. device. is in position fora direct blast of air (Figures I and II) andas a deflector when the device is. in position as a circulator'(Figure IV). Conversely, the knob 43 serves as a carrying handle when, the device. is in the position shown in- Figure, IV and the ring .48 serves as a carrying handle whenthe device is in the position shown inFiguresIand'II. 1

In the embodiment, of the invention disclosed in. Figures I. through. VI the combination base and deflector must be bodily disengaged from andreengaged with the devicewhen it is movedbetween either of its two functional positions.

In the embodiment of the invention disclosed in Figures VII-through XII, a base and deflector 52 is providedv which, need not-be disengaged from the device when moved between its two functional positions but which is so designed as to permit its being swiveled. from one position to another.

A combination heater and fan embodying the invention as illustrated in Figures V11 through XII has substantially the same components as the embodiment of the device illustrated in Figures I through VI. The combination heater, fan and circulator has two casing sections-53 and 54 which are similar to' thecasing sections IE] and l I of the earlier embodiment and which have opposed central openi'ngs, the front opening being closed. by a grill 55' similar to the grill l5 and the rear opening being provided with a'damper 55 similar in its use for retarding the flow. of air to the damper 34 of the. earlier embodiment of the invention. Interiorly of the housing formed by the casing sections 53 and 54 there are 10- cated a motor, fan blade,-heater coil, etc. (not shown), all of which are substantially identical with those disclosed in Figures I through VI.

The combination base and deflector 52 is mounted by means or rivets 51 on a pair of arms 58, the upper ends of which are turned over forming flattened ears 59. The arms 56 are channeled to increase their rigidity and the ears 59 consequently have central depressed portions 6i]. The arms 58 are mounted on the sides of the casing section 54 by means of flanged nuts 6| which are welded to the exterior of the casing section 54 coaxially with a hole 62 punched therethrough. A swivel cap 63 having a: central depression 64 is mounted outside the ear 59 by means of a washer head machine screw 65 which is threaded into the flanged nut 6|. The depressed portions 60 of the ears 59 have a central aperture 66 freely engaged over the exterior of the flanged nut (if and swivelable thereon. By tightening the washer head machine screws 65, the swivel cap 63 is pressed more tightly against the surface of the ear 59 and a desired degre of friction is established to retain the arm 58 in any adjusted position relative to the heater housing. The inner end of the washer head machine screw 65 passes into the interior of the housing through the opening 62 and receives a pair of lock nuts 61 which prevent its being worked loose by the swiveling movement. A curved bar 69 is also mounted on the base 52 by the rivets 51, serving as a handle for the device when the base is in its upper, or deflector position, as illustrated in Figure IX.

When it is desired to employ this modification of the combination heater. fan and circulator embodying the invention as a circulator, it is turned over to the position illustrated in Figure IX and the damper 56 employed as a base. The position illustrated in Figure IX corresponds to the position illustrated in Figure IV with respect to the earlier embodiment of the invention. The base 52 is swung upwardly into the position shown in solid lines in Figure IX until it is concentric with the grill 55 and, like the base and deflector 40, it is then in position to serve its second functional purpose as a deflector, causing the air emitted through the grill 55 to be deflected outwardly and downwardly forming a circulating cone. The base and deflector 52, like the base and deflector 40, is provided with a bead or rim 6B of soft rubber to prevent injury to the surface on which the device is supported when in the position illustrated in Figures VII and VIII.

In order to retain the base and deflector 52 in the position shown in solid lines in Figure IX, the handle 69 and the grill 55 are provided with cooperating means shown in Figure XII. The handle 69 has a centrally located hol which is engageable by a spring pressed bullet clip H mounted at the center of a rill plate 12. The bullet H is retained in a housing 13 mounted in the plate 12 by a metal clip M.

An associated bullet plunger is mounted in its housing I6 by a clip 11 in the handle 69 so that the bullet H can be disengaged from the hole 10 when desired by depressin the plunger 15, compressing its spring 18 and engaging its lower end with the bullet H to press the bullet H downwardly, permitting the members to be swung away.

Thus, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures VII through XII the base and deflector 52 serves the same functional purposes as the base and deflector 40 of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures I through VI but it is permanently attached to the heater body being swiveled between its two functional positions. In each of the embodiments, however, the combination base and deflector is adapted to be employed for either'of its dual purposes with rapid, simple adjustment and the flexibility'of the device as a heater or'fan is made even greater by also providing for flexibility of use as a circulator.

Other embodiments of the invention comprising other manners of assembling th elements of the invention are suggested by the two embodiments fully illustrated.

Having described the invention, I claim:

1. In an electrically actuated portable fan, in combination, a housing having acentral air passageway, an electric motor mounted in said passageway, a fan actuated by said motor, a grill across the output end of said' passageway, a dualpurpose base and deflector element selectively positionable on said housing out of the blast of air from said fan for supporting said housing and in front of said gril1 for deflecting the blast of air laterally from said grill and secondary base means for supporting said housing when said base and deflector is in its second position.

, 2. In an electrically actuated portable fan, in combination, a housing having two generallymating housing elements forming an air passageway, a fan coaxially mounted in said passageway, a motor for actuating said i'an, a grill mounted across the output end 01' said passageway, a dualpurpose base and deflector element selectively positionable on said housing out of the blast of air from said fan for supporting said housin and in front of said grill for deflecting the blast of air laterally from said grill and secondary base means for supporting said housing when said base and deflector is in its second position.

3. In an electrically actuated portable fan, in combination, a housing having a central air passageway, an electric motor mounted in said passageway, a fan actuated by said motor, an electric resistance heater mounted in said housing, electrical means for selectively energizing said motor or said motor and said heater, a grill across the output end of said passageway, a dualpurpose base and deflector element selectively positionable on said housing out of the blast of air from said fan for supporting said housing and in front of said grill for deflecting the blast of air laterally from said grill and secondary base means for supporting said housing when said base and deflector is in its second position.

4. In a combination heater, fan and air circulator, in combination, a generally tubular housing forming an open ended air passageway, an electrically actuated fan and heater mounted in said housing and selectively energizable, a grill across the output end of said passageway, a dual purpose base and deflector element, means for selectively positioning said element to sup port said housing with the output flow of air unobstructed and in front of said grill for deflecting the output flow of air laterally, and auxiliary means mounted at the intake end of said passageway for supporting said housing in an upright position when said element is in air deflecting position in front of said grill.

5. A device as described in claim 4 in which the dual purpose element is supported by means including a pair of arms swivelably attached to said housing and movable between positions with said element beneath said housing in sup- 7: portingposition and with. said element in i-igont of said grill in deflecting position.

6-. 'A device as described in laim; 4. in which the dual purpose element, has an axianyex ending mounting means and cooperating mounting means are mounted at theside of said housing and the center of said grill for selectively 'niounting said element in its two. positions.

7:. In an electrically actuated portable fan, in combination, a housing having a central air passageway, an electric motor mounted in said p s a eway. a tan; actuated by said motor, an electric resistance heater mounted in said housing, electrical means for selectively energizing said motor or said motor and said heater, a grill across the output end of; said passageway, a disc mounted at t e intak and o s d p way e a ly c o n th same a means. or selectively positioning said disc longitudinally relati e. o sa d p ss ewa fo va y g e nular s a e. betwe the ed s f i sc nd a d' u in or ar in he i e ea and e olume of a r pass ng: ther r u hn. n ele r call a tu e or l f in combination, a housing having a central air passageway, an electric motor mounted in said passageway, a fan actuated by said motor, an electric resistanceheater mounted in said housing;, electrical means forselectively energizing said motor or said motor and said heater, a grill across the output end of said passageway, a disc mounted at the intake end of said pas sageway and coaxial therewith, said disc being of a diameter substantially the same'as said passageway, a crew concentric with said passageway and a nut threaded on said screw and mounting said disc, whereby rotation of said nut moves said disc longitudinally of said passageway thereby varying the annular space therearound and the volume and temperature of the air passing through said passageway.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein said' duale purpose base and deflector is cone shaped and is arranged with its apex toward said housing in both of its two positions.

' BURTON REFERENCES CITED The following ref ren e re o r cord in th file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

